How To Stay As Healthy As Possible While Traveling

[Updated 7/6/20] When this post was originally written, March 2, 2020, we were living in a different world. COVID-19 had recently been found in the US, and after seeing how it affected people in other parts of the world, our fear set in. Soon after this post, we were quarantined, travel plans were canceled, and we entered into what is still an extremely uncertain and challenging time.

As borders begin to open, and we start to think about making travel plans once again, it is important to think about safety and health when it comes to the coronavirus and beyond.

Even before the COVID pandemic, travelers have been aware that visiting new places and being exposed to different environments, wildlife, people, and bacteria could cause illness. From malaria to Montezuma's revenge, there are dozens of health issues that could arise while on the road. So when you do travel, it's important to think of safety first and to use a little extra precaution. Read on for tips to keep in mind for how to stay as healthy as possible while traveling. [*Updated with some additional tips related to COVID-19].

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Before You Travel

Planning ahead is the best way to stay ahead. 

1. Immunization check - Give your doctor a call to see if the region you are traveling to requires or suggests any immunizations. 
2. Travel insurance - Protect yourself in case of illness or other travel disruption by purchasing travel insurance before your trip. Typically inexpensive to purchase, the 'better safe than sorry' attitude is one I always try to have when it comes to insurance. 
3. First aid kit - Make your own first aid kit *and be sure to put it in your carry on*! You don't need to carry full bottles of aspirin or boxes of bandaids that take up space and will likely go unused. Focus on what you can't get as easily at your destination (always bring extra prescription meds) and do a body scan to think of what to bring. Start with your head (e.g. ibuprofen, eye drops, nasal spray, etc.) to your throat (e.g. cough drops, decongestant, etc.) to your stomach, etc.
4. *Self quarantine - Many countries are requiring a negative COVID test result within 72 hours of your departure. So be sure to stay as safe as possible leading up to your vacation so it is not compromised by a surprise positive result.
5. *Check with the country and airport regulations - Each country (and even state by state here in the US) is handling their reopening differently. Some countries, such as Belize, is requiring visitors to download a special health app which needs to be filled out prior to arrival. Save yourself time and stress by doing your homework before you travel.
6. *Pack PPE - Masks are required on most - if not all - airplanes and in airports, and we all know how they can get sweaty and unpleasant after a while, so be sure to bring extras with you (in your carry on!). Also, the TSA is now allowing you to carry up to 12oz of hand sanitizer in your carry-on bag (vs. the prior limit of 3.4oz). Be sure to check with your airports (departure and arrival) for specifics so you can plan accordingly and pack ahead.

In Transit

A smooth ride is the best way to start a travel adventure.

1. Purify your space - Bring some antibacterial wipes with you to wipe off the armrest, seatbelt buckle, tray table, headrest, steering wheel, etc. depending on how you are traveling. Also, you may want to invest in an air purifier which you can clip to your shirt or wear as a necklace to disinfect the air around you. I don't know if I buy this, but my mom swears by it... I guess it can't hurt!
2. Turn the air ON - While many people believe that the airplane A/C is recycled and should be kept off, it is actually filtered and a great way to keep germs away. In fact, these days the air on most aircraft is circulated through hospital-grade HEPA filters which remove 99.97% of bacteria and airborne viruses. 
3. Just say no - to water - Unless it comes from a sealed container! The water used to make coffee and tea on many planes has been found to contain bacteria time and time again, so it is heavily advised not to drink them on board! Similarly, the water you use to wash your hands in the bathrooms may be harboring the bad stuff as well. So this is one of the very few cases where it is actually best to use antibacterial hand sanitizer once you are back in your seat than to wash your hands in the bathroom. (Check out this recent study for more info)
4. *Wear a mask - Depending on when you read this and when you travel, wearing a mask may be required when you are on a flight. Consider wearing a mask even if restrictions are limited, especially if you have an underlying health condition. Also, it may be a smart idea to wear your mask in the airport and in your transportation to/from the airport. Better safe than sorry!
   

At Your Destination

You may be on vacation, but don't leave your common sense back home!

1. Wash your hands - Before you eat, when you get to the hotel room, and when you've been touching things in shops, tourist attractions, etc. Sometimes it is easy to forget that things are germy when you're trying to close your mind and be present on vacation. Always carry hand sanitizer and wash your hands whenever you can. 
2. Bottled water - This is a tough one, and it definitely varies based on where you travel, but if you have a sensitive gut, it may be beneficial to drink bottled water while you travel. It is more expensive and not great for the environment to go through so much plastic, but if it can help you feel well on your trip, the benefit may outweigh the negatives. If you prefer to drink from the tap and are in a more remote location, there are filtered bottles, purifiers and cleansing iodine tablets available at stores like REI that can be lifesavers. Boiling water also purifies it.
3. Bug spray - If you're traveling to a place where bug bites can give you more than an annoying itch (zika, malaria, etc...), be sure to invest in a good bug spray and to use it! I find the bugs always get me right at dusk, after the spray from the day is worn off and the little guys come out to play. DEET is no longer considered to be 'bad for you' as an ingredient in many insect repellents (interesting article here), but many people prefer natural alternatives. If you find a good bug spray - natural or chemical - comment below and let me know! I still have scars from itchy bites a month ago!
4. Disinfect your room - Just like you wipe down your airline seat, bring some extra wipes to clean the doorknobs, toilet flusher, sink and TV remote in your hotel room. Even if you have housekeeping services at your destination, it doesn't mean these things are disinfected, and it is an easy way to protect yourself from germs of past guests.
5. Down time - When I travel, I like to see and do as much as possible. But sometimes I wear myself out and then am out of commission and unable to do other things on my list. So my tip is simply to listen to your body and to pace yourself! Sitting at a local coffee shop for a half hour to rest your body or letting yourself sleep in instead of being first in line at a museum can keep you feeling fresh and energetic throughout your trip.
6. Eat with caution - The food preparation regulations abroad are not always in line with those in the US. Raw food, like fruits and veggies, can be more susceptible to bacteria from the chef's hands, so opt for hot, steaming food when you can (or fruits and veggies you can peel yourself). And while you may come across places where gloves and hairnets are nonexistent, try and select cafes and food stands where the food is covered from flies and the food is prepared with utensils vs. bare hands.
   

When You Get Home

Bring back more than a magnet or keychain?

1. Shower - Regardless of what time you get back from a trip, I always suggest throwing your clothes right in the hamper and taking a nice hot shower to wash off the plane germs and travel stress. They say the headrest on a plane is the dirtiest... who wants that on their pillow?
2. Laundry - Wash everything in your suitcase, even those outfits you never ended up wearing! This way you get rid of any bugs that may have crawled in your suitcase (bed bugs, too!) and you also get rid of that yucky suitcase smell if you know what I mean.
3. Feeling off? - If you feel sick after you return from your trip, don't ignore the symptoms. Give your doctor a call or visit an Urgent Care location and be sure to tell them where you have been traveling so they can help you feel better.

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Have another tip to help people stay healthy and safe while traveling? Add it to the comments below!

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